It isn’t only public officials who can be prosecuted in cases of public corruption. Ordinary people who attempt to sway a public servant through the offer of gifts, money, or other benefits, or even to simply offer a benefit the public servant is not entitled to under the law, may be prosecuted under Offer of Unlawful Benefit to Public Servant for Official Behavior (N.J.S.A. 2C:27-1).
Those charged with offering benefits in an effort to influence a public act or official duty by a public official can be charged with a crime of the second degree. Conviction can lead to a sentence of five to 10 years, and a fine of $150,000. Providing or offering to provide a benefit to which a public official is prohibited by law can be charged at the third degree crime level, and conviction can result in a three to five year sentence, and a fine of up to $15,000.
These are extremely serious allegations for all parties. If you have been caught trying to bribe or sway a public official in NJ, protect your future and your reputation by calling Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 to talk to a lawyer for free.